Spotlight on the 7 Most Common Sexual Diseases Today

By: Marylaine Louise L. Viernes

We wanted to put the top 2,007 diseases one can acquire from unsafe sex, but God forbid that should happen, because then no one would dare do the “do.” So we just decided to trim it down to seven alarming diseases to wake everyone up, and rid themselves of their bad, bad habits!
 
HIV/AIDSWe all know it as the dreaded disease, but do we have enough information about it? Well, no one really dies from is so that makes it okay, right? Wrong. People can die from complications of the disease because what its causative agent, the Human T-cell lymphotrophic virus 3, a retrovirus does, is to weaken the body’s immune system so that it would be unable to fight a disease, even just the common cold! Now, you don’t want your tombstone to read, A MAN OF GREAT COURAGE, BUT A COMMON COLD GOT HIM,” right? So, it’s best to keep yourself aware of the latest information about the disease. You may want to learn about its prevention, rather than its cure for until now; there is no undeviating treatment for this disease!  

SYPHILISAlso known as Sy, bad blood or the pox, this can easily be passed on by direct contact with an infectious sore. Its causative agent is known as the treponema pallidum. Its signs and symptoms may include swollen glands, chancres and may include sore throat and patchy hair loss. Latent syphilis may continue 5-20 years without symptoms, but the person is no longer infectious to other people. But a pregnant woman can transmit this disease to her child. However, if not treated, these can cause damage to the brain, heart and the liver.

GONORRHEACaused by the bacteria known as Neisseria gonorrhea, this is typically passed on through genitals, anus, mouth, and other mucous membranes. Its incubation is only 2-10 days and its usual symptoms are burning urination and pus discharges. It is best to have yourself checked through gram staining and urethral smear to obtain the specific treatment as prescribed.

CHLAMYDIAThis disease usually doesn’t have symptoms in females, so beware, girls! It is quite similar to the effects of Syphilis, only this is caused by the chlamydia tranchomatis organism. It is quite difficult to diagnose, and culture tests can determine this disease, but often, it is done by ruling our gonorrhea with a corresponding test. Furthermore, if not treated fast, this disease may result to sterility, prematurity and stillbirths, infant pneumonia and eye infections leading to blindness. Therefore, mothers must be careful enough and ensure that their children will not accede to their disease.

VAGINITIS Clinically known as gardianella vaginitis, this really has a garden of causes- various bacteria and viruses that can deter the normal processes in the female reproductive system. This disease is rare in males, but males do acquire it too, especially when his female sex partner has a very severe case of this disease. As for females, the symptoms of this may be slight yellowish or grayish odorous vaginal discharge with a mild itching or burning sensation. This can be easily cured with vaginal suppositories, creams and antibiotics.

TRICHOMONIASIS Otherwise known as the Trich, this is usually passed by direct sexual contact and transmitted via wet towels, washcloths and douching equipment. Although this does not have symptoms for most people, sometimes when the body is weak, the symptoms for females are white or greenish-yellow odorous discharge, and painful urination. As for males, slight itching of penis and clear discharge from the penis. Complications of this disease may lead to cervical cancer, that is why an oral medication must be taken as soon as possible!

HEPATITIS B  Hepatitis B is known as the disease of the liver which can be caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoa, toxic chemicals, drugs and alcohol. Hepatitis B unlike the other Hepatitis forms is sexually transmitted, and is considered as the most severe due to the possibility of severe complications such as massive liver damage and hepatocarcinoma of the liver. Its signs and symptoms include loss of appetite, malaise, joint and muscle pains, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, etc. There is no general treatment for this disease as it varies form person to person, and on the natural resistance in combating diseases. A diet high in carbohydrates in recommended, as well as good skin care and proper hygiene.

So remember guys, if you’re too lazy enough to put the rubber on, or too scared to try other contraceptive methods, just try the one that had always worked for me and all of us here at Club K- the Abstinence thrill!